Thursday, April 30, 2026

Colorectal Cancer Strikes: Actor James Van Der Beek Diagnosed

James Van Der Beek is an actor. He played in a show called “Dawson’s Creek.” He is 47 years old. He told People magazine that he has colorectal cancer. He thanked his family for their help.

Van Der Beek said he feels good and hopeful. Colorectal cancer starts in the colon or rectum. These are parts of the large intestine. It is located in the digestive system.

Despite his illness, Van Der Beek is still working. He recently acted in a TV show called “Walker.” He will also be in a movie called “Sidelined: The QB and Me.” It will come out on November 29.

Van Der Beek has a big family. He has a wife named Kimberly and six children. He shares pictures of his family on social media. Last week, the family enjoyed Halloween together.

Van Der Beek has been with Kimberly for 14 years. He was married to another woman before, but they split in 2010. He thanked Kimberly for her support, especially through his illness.

Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON

Accent

Colorectal/ˌkoʊ.ləˈrɛk.təl/adjective
Relating to the colon and rectum.

Colon/ˈkoʊ.lɒn/noun
The part of the large intestine that connects the cecum to the rectum.

Rectum/ˈrɛk.təm/noun
The final section of the large intestine leading to the anus.

Illness/ˈɪl.nəs/noun
A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.

Support/səˈpɔːrt/verb
To bear all or part of the weight of something; to help or assist.

Hopeful/ˈhoʊpfəl/adjective
Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.
Vocabulary List:
6 words · tap to reveal
ON
Accent
Colorectal/ˌkoʊ.ləˈrɛk.təl/adjective
Relating to the colon and rectum.
Colon/ˈkoʊ.lɒn/noun
The part of the large intestine that connects the cecum to the rectum.
Rectum/ˈrɛk.təm/noun
The final section of the large intestine leading to the anus.
Illness/ˈɪl.nəs/noun
A disease or period of sickness affecting the body or mind.
Support/səˈpɔːrt/verb
To bear all or part of the weight of something; to help or assist.
Hopeful/ˈhoʊpfəl/adjective
Feeling or inspiring optimism about a future event.

Read More